Before Job Search, there’s Career Search– What should I do with the rest of my life?

You may be in high school or university or in a job you wish you weren't. You ask yourself, "What should I do with the rest of my life?"

If you are like me, you probably will take some career interest tests. They can be helpful guides but are not foolproof. For myself, the test results stated that I liked "everyone and everything." Career Cruising has an assessment available online.

Some people make a choice, spend several years in a career, and find it is not the one for them. They then have to decide whether to remain or change careers. They and you can help narrow down your career choices by volunteering in various fields or doing temp work. That way you can see if you like something or not.

I knew someone who became a doctor–because that was what his father wanted for him. It wasn't the career for him. He wanted to be a lawyer–and that is just what he did once he could afford it on his own.

Someone else I knew was interested in arts and crafts. She volunteered at a nearby senior's home, liked it and decided to go back to school and get her degree while continuing to volunteer. Once she graduated and a job became available, she was there, ready and waiting, and with concrete experience.

I did temp work for several years. I worked in banks, advertising, jewellery stores, accounting firms, and computer development companies. Several of them offered me full-time jobs and I knew from experience which ones I enjoyed–and which I didn't.

You can attend job fairs, ask questions, interview people in careers you might be interested in, and read some books on volunteering, gap years, working part-time, and on various careers. The library has several series you might want to look at. For a couple of examples, just go to the Toronto Public Library website and search for titles starting with FabJob Guide to… or Great Jobs for… There are many more.

While you're at it, why not check out some of the library's recommended websites.

Toronto Public Library Recommended Websites for temp work

Toronto Public Library Recommended Websites for job fairs